Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) has launched the first “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme” under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal VikasYojana (PMKVY), the flagship scheme of the ministry of skill development & entrepreneurship (MSDE), at the factory premises of KG Exports at Ludhiana, Punjab.

The Dignitaries present included Rajat Bhatnagar, state engagement officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Ms. Kirti Jain, assistant director operations North of Apparel Made-Ups Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSCC), Darlie Koshy, DG & CEO of ATDC, and others.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a robust platform to provide recognition to the skills acquired through informal learning to get equal acceptance as the formal levels of education or skill development. It aims to recognize prior learning and bring them to the “trained skilled workforce cadre”.

Speaking on the occasion, Koshy said RPL for a country like India is an absolute necessity as only about 7 per cent to 10 per cent of the workforce have received any formal vocational training. In some section it is less than even 5 per cent. Considering this abysmal situation prior learning is a welcome step, he said.

After Ludhiana, ATDC will take up RPL in other states like Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal to cover 13,000 candidates. The centre will be executing a twelve-hour orientation for the candidates followed by 3rd party Assessment and Certification.